While watching the Disney classic “Aladdin,” imagine the main character Aladdin as Bradley’s Director of Athletic Chris Reynolds and Jasmine as Bradley’s men’s basketball coach Brian Wardle when the musical number “A Whole New World” begins.
Minus the events of Aladdin’s kidnapping immediately afterward, that number directly relates to the new look of the Bradley Athletics department.
Reynolds and Wardle have publicly committed to bringing Bradley Athletics to new heights, and it’s easy to get behind them and the whole new world they are envisioning.
In his introductory press conference March 18, Reynolds brought to light a three-point plan to restore balance to Bradley Athletics.
That plan included supporting Bradley’s athletes, keeping the department in line with the goals and values of the university and, finally, gaining the support of the community.
“This third point is vitally important; make no mistake about it,” Reynolds said at his press conference. “We [have] a solid plan in hand, and we will work tirelessly to communicate that plan within the community from university leaders to the academic community, community leaders, alumni and fans,”
On the other side, at Wardle’s introductory press conference, the men’s basketball coach said that Reynolds was one of the main reasons as to why he chose Bradley.
“When I met with him…When I walked in the room, I felt it,” Wardle said at his press conference. “He was ready to go, and he’s ready to build this program.”
While Reynolds and Wardle are the stars of this show, it’s easy to forget the supporting cast.
This year, or rather these past three months, have been a shock to the collective system of Bradley Athletics.
As we look back to reflect on the year’s best and worst moments, we have the tendency to pick out the bigger events. Yet, it’s the amalgamation of the smaller, less unheralded events that really set up Bradley Athletics for the future.
I’m talking about the baseball team quietly making their case for the NCAA regionals, and further, the College World Series.
I’m takling about the women’s cross country team that won the Missouri Valley Conference title under the superviion of a first year coach.
I’m talking about the women’s tennis team turning in their best season since the early 1990s, while also returning all but two of their players.
I’m talking about a deal with ESPN, which will bring the best kind of spotlight not only to Bradley Athletics, but to the Bradley creative production department.
How all of these things will play out in the coming year are obviously still up in the air, as none of them have come to transpire yet, but they’re as exciting as they possibly could be.
A new age of athletics is coming, and the new Scout Sports Desk will be there.
On a more personal note: shout out to the previous sports editors, my friends and former bosses, Garth Shanklin and Aaron Freeman, for each having a hand in driving the theoretical sports desk bus to where it is today.
It’s my honor to serve as the new Sports Editor, and I know our sports team is equally excited. So from all of us here at the sports desk – that thrilling chase, that wondrous place – we’re ready for that whole new world.
